Small Claims Mediation – HMCTS ‘opt out’ evaluation report
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I am an experienced mediator, having conducted several hundred mediations as mediator, in a variety of subject areas, across England & Wales since 2004.
These have ranged in value from disputes in tens of thousands to multi-million pound disputes. Some were relatively straightforward issues, some very complex. All of the disputes I have dealt with have been important to the parties. I bring the same level of effort and commitment to every case I deal with.
I am able to bring a rounded perspective. My career is dispute resolution. I have been a partner in a law firm since 1996, and in legal practice I represent parties in commercial disputes bringing and defending cases. I also sit as a part-time Deputy District Judge dealing with a wide range of civil disputes for individuals and businesses. I therefore bring practical experience gained as a mediator, a representative, a business owner, and as a judge.
The role of mediator is to try and help the parties to reach an agreement. This often involves adopting different approaches with different parties and their representatives. Sometimes parties need help to think through things, and sometimes they need to be challenged or look for suggestions as to a way forward. I adapt my approach accordingly. I enjoy working with parties and their representatives to try to solve the problem.
I always aim to build a good working rapport with the parties and their advisers, starting at an early phase. I have often been told that I am able to produce a positive atmosphere that is conducive to settlement. I hope so.
The vast majority of the cases I mediate are resolved. Some cases need further effort after the mediation day to get them over the line. Sometimes mediation is a longer process and not just a one day shot at resolution.
I am listed in both Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners independent guides as a recommended mediator in the UK.
Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your requirements.
Nick qualified as a solicitor in 1993, and has been a Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution in a regional law firm since 1996. He is named as a Leading Individual in the Legal 500 and Chambers Guide for Dispute Resolution.
As a lawyer Nick continues to advise and represent clients on a wide variety of disputes, and has acted in litigation to Court of Appeal level. His role as an equity partner also means that he has a thorough and practical understanding of commercial issues in running a business.
As well as holding a law degree, Nick also holds a Master’s Degree in Advanced Litigation and was appointed a Deputy District Judge (Civil) on the Wales circuit in 2010. He is also a member of the Law Society Civil Justice Committee. He is also the Law Society representative on the Civil Justice Council Judicial ADR Liaison Committee, a body set up to consider the use of ADR in the civil justice system.
A committed advocate of the benefits of mediation, Nick was a non-executive director of ADR Net Limited for 5 years and spoke at the ADR Group national conference on several occasions. Nick is a founder member of Hexagon Mediation, and is listed in both the Chambers & Partners Guide and Legal 500 as a recommended mediator.
Nick is also a member of the Civil Mediation Council.
As well as acting as a trainer to several hundred solicitors on professional and commercial topics, Nick regularly speaks at seminars and other events on a variety of dispute topics, including mediation.
Nick has also been a speaker on ADR topics for the law Society, has spoken at the ADR Group national conference, and has written papers for its membership.
Nick is also a contributor to blogs for Hexagon Mediation.
Nick has conducted a large number of mediations since first training as a mediator in 1998 in a wide range of areas of dispute, including the following: